Kenojhar: The inhuman practice of children being branded with hot iron by traditional healers continues unabated in Keonjhar district. A 28-day-old infant sustained critical injuries after being branded with a hot iron rod at Tangiri Juanga Sahi under Bimala Panchayat of Telkoi block in Keonjhar district on Saturday. Two other minors of the same locality were also been branded on the same day.
According to sources, a local traditional healer said this would rid them of any decease in the future. When the condition of the trio worsened, they were rushed to a nearby hospital.
In September last year, a 15-day infant was reportedly branded with a hot iron rod to cure stomach pain at Kanjhipani village under Bansapala block in the district.